Henry F Garstka's Obituary
Henry Garstka, Jr. 74, of Edgewater Park, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2022, with his loving family by his side. His passing was unrelated to his age.
Henry was a graduate of the Burlington City High School class of 1967, and of Trenton State College. He had been a warehouse manager at the Burlington Coat Factory in Edgewater Park and was constantly receiving awards as one of their top employees.
Henry had a high IQ and was extremely eccentric. Henry was a private individual. He didn’t share himself easily or with many people. He had many and varied interests. If you were Henry’s friend, you had a friend for life.
He practiced, trained, and achieved a Korean Black Belt distinction, from the Moorestown Friends School. Henry continued to train and keep his Black Belt status throughout his life. He taught, along with Korean Instructor Chang, at Chang’s Karate School in Cinnaminson, NJ. Henry was fond of teaching Karate self-defense techniques which included the proper use of nunchucks, stainless steel throwing stars, and brass knuckles. His various other hobbies and interests included photography and music. He was an accomplished percussionist, guitarist, and vocalist who had performed professionally, in his own rock band in the mid 1970’s, both locally and in various neighboring states. He loved mostly rock and roll. Henry collected Gibson guitars and played regularly. Henry has performed in many other bands and musical groups.
He was an Amateur Astronomer with a Celestron polar mount computer-controlled telescope. He loved to collect Harley Davidson motorcycle memorabilia. As a devoted Philadelphia sports fan, he was a collector of Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers everything.
Henry liked to collect antique car models. Dad specifically bought Henry a 1957 Chevy, which Henry repainted and remodeled. He eventually sold it and received an amount 10 times its original worth.
Henry liked to travel. Any road trip, anytime. He traveled to Hawaii, California (Coronado Navy Base), Washington State (Bremerton Navy Base), Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, and others. Henry would go on trips to the boardwalks in Ocean City, Atlantic City, Cape May, and Wildwood. Henry loved dining out, especially Italian food. We regularly dined at the Lobster House in Cape May and locally at Sal and Joe’s in Maple Shade. Henry has 5 cats and adopted many strays. He loved reading, Science Fiction, politics, and various non-fiction works. Henry was very interested in local events, religion, and politics.
He had been a devoted caregiver to his loving mother, Anne, until she passed away in 2020, at age 95. Henry is survived by his sister Carolanne (Bob), and Susan (Ron). He is also survived by a niece Diana (Derek), and nephews Nathanael, and Jonathan (Layne), and a great-niece Zoe.
Services will be held at Givnish Funeral Home, Route 130, Cinnaminson, NJ on Friday, December 2, 2002. 10-11 viewing; 11-12 service; 12:00 interment at Lakeview Cemetery, Route 130, Cinnaminson, NJ. Reception immediately following interment at Givnish Funeral Home.
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